by Jamie Harris
As the fall season approaches, the Berkeley Springs Indians Boys’ Soccer team is gearing up for an ex- citing year under the leader- ship of Head Coach Randy Beal. With three years at Berkeley Springs High School and 12 years of coaching experience, Coach Beal is once again supported by Assistant Coaches Nate Bland and Seth Place, both of whom are entering their second year with the team. The coaching staff is focused on enhancing the team’s sportsmanship and chemistry, aiming to build on last year’s six-win season and advance further into sectional play.
Key players and returning talent
Senior Shawn Bland will lead the team this season, bringing valuable experience to the field. The team also boasts six returning juniors: Brody Beal, Jacob Morgan, Garrin Place, Andrew Bland, Landon Litten and Connor Havermale, along with five returning sophomores: Kyle Bland, Malcolm Johns, Rylee Sauter, Kiel Gee and Gavin Rucker. After a year off, Sen- ior Jaxon McClintock returns to the Indians, ready to make an impact.
New talent and key departures
The team will be looking to fill the void left by last sea- son’s departures of Justin Brinegar, Axel Robles, Deven Stone, Javier Hernanz and Y un Changjae. However, the Indians have added some promising new players, including Senior Chase Stotler, Sophomore Austin Gentile, and Freshmen Adam Payne, Alex Eberhart, Frank Kucharski and Thayne McGuire. These newcomers will be crucial in helping the team maintain its competitive edge.
Season outlook
The Indians have set their sights on improving last year’s record and making a deeper run in sectional play. The addition of new opponents such as Northern Garrett, Southern Garrett and Preston County is expected to provide valuable experience as they prepare for sectional rivals like East Fairmont, North Marion, Hampshire, Frankfort, Keyser and Peters- burg. The schedule also includes a home game against Southern Fulton, offering a unique match-up against another team with an Indian mascot.
Season opener
The season kicks off on August 22 with an away game at Preston County. The boys’ game will start at 7 p.m, following the Lady Indians’ match at 5 p.m.
